bay islands vs. cozumel

[slimcrappes]

I've done the majority of my diving and training in the Cozumel area, with side trips to Belize, and up and down the Yucatan coast. I'm currently planning an extended solo diving trip for Jan/Feb that will be at least two months long. The bay islands sound great for my budget and general temperment, but I'm wondering if the diving will stand up to cozumel. From the pictures and videos I've seen it looks like the viz is not as good and there doesnt seem to be as much life on the reefs. That said, the general vibe in cozumel is not really my style, the bay islands sound like they are way more up my alley. My question is, will I be let down by the quality of the diving? Where would you rather spend two months?

 

[Bill Parker]

There was a good thread on the subject here a few months ago.

With two months you have plenty of time to check out
all the bay islands of Honduras.

 

[Doc]

Two months in Coz would send me off the tracks. I could stand two months in Roatan... well, I guess I have

Since you are talking about spending two months, I would wager that you will be diving from West End and the numerous day-dive ops that dot the landscape.

This area is radically different from the South side~ where you will find that perfected buoyancy, observational skills and patience pays off with great rewards. Small stuff hiding in the shallow, sunlit walls.

The North and West zones are a little deeper, darker and more rugged. With the local Conservation Zone in that area, you will see larger Fish and Crustaceans.

If "viz" is your thing, then no, Roatan will be a disappointment. However, if "viz" is your thing, a lot of very cool dive destinations will be a similar disappointment. Viz is highly over rated.

Coz is clearer for the same reason you do a lot of drift dives. Current.

In Coz, you may well see more pelagic creatures, but at a distance. With lessened viz, they are more susceptible to your getting ever closer to them. A bit of a trade-off.

Honestly, if your "dive count" is accurate at 25~49 dives, I think you will be well amazed at what a good DM can show you on Roatan.

If you are comparing videos and thinking that this represents reality... unlikely. There are some excellent videos out there that have made a silk purse out of a sow's ear. I have also recently seen some videos of my favorite dive on Roatan, presented by a dive op as a sales tool, that made the place look like death warmed over. Videos can be misleading.

I haven't been to Coz in many years, and I am really in no rush to go back~ certainly the lure of the bar scene and night life are no draw to me. I never thought that the diving was all that, even 15 years ago. My friends that still swoon for the place are gung-ho divers, but they also can be found slumped at the bars come closing time. Me? I'd rather be night diving.

You're just starting out at this, you've done Coz and gotten a glimpse of Belize... knock your socks off, go for it. Roatan will be something you'll wish to do sooner or later.

 

[kixy1]

Hey slim, definitely read the posts Billy linked. I started it a few months back to get some opinions on the differences between the two. All l'll add is, GO! No way you'll be disappointed.

 

[robint]

I have to agree with RoatanMan...
I could do Cozumel for a few weeks, maybe spend a week on mainland visiting ruins and diving cenotes, so that takes up 3-4 weeks max. Roatan I think I could do a good month as dives sites are varied and resorts primarily visit different dive sites, so spend a week north side and a week west end and a week southside...and repeat if you want, and do a week or two over at Utila.

You are right about the "atmosphere" being very different. I really don't like Cozumel topside anymore, it is too noisy, commercial, and crowded. I go there and spend the full week inside the gates at Scuba Club! Also, the dives sites are more crowded in Coz. Roatan you will probably never see 2 boats at same dives site. We were there a full week and never once had another group of divers dropped in on us (Cozumel you expect this at every dive site!) Topside, Roatan is much more tropical, relaxing, and calm.

robin

 

[ronski101]

viz in coz is better but Roatans is not bad by any means. Never had any current in Roatan. Fish life post Wilma is comparable to Roatan. More walls on south side in Roatan. You will not be disapointed, we wern't.

 

[georoc01]

The tradeoff is vis vs current. So what you will give up in vis, you gain in being more control of your dive and the pace of it. Its that current that gives Cozumel that amazing visibility.

I have done both 3 out the last 4 years and consider them comparable. I don't think you would be disapointed with the marine life and may actually see a few things I have never seen in Cozumel, like the different colored sea horses.

 

[lmorin]

Coz vis is great, better than Roatan. However, as said above, the vis is linked to the current and, to me at least, the current is one of the worst features of Cozumel despite the fact it is one of the major reasons that divers go there. We like to dawdle and look under, over and around everything. That is simply not possible on a number of the Cozumel boat drift dives and can even be difficult, at times, during the shore dives. If going slow and spending time looking is your thing, then take Roatan over Cozumel, IMHO.